Mineral plaster – environmentally friendly finishing material, consisting of natural ingredients, universal for outdoor and interior work, economical, inexpensive, easy to operate and maintain during operation.

In this article we will tell you in detail which decorative mineral mixtures are most in demand in modern renovation for facades and interior decoration. Let's analyze the composition and characteristics of the material and compare it with competing types of plaster mixtures.

Mineral decorative plaster, in the photo are popular textures for exterior decoration

Composition and scope

Mineral plaster - a composition based on hydrated (slaked) lime, marble, granite granules (sometimes sandstone), crushed quartz, anthracite, glass, mica, ceramic balls, colored clay, white Portland cement from M500 and above, light aggregates. The dry mixture is sold in bags; before use, it must be diluted with water according to the instructions on the package and mixed.

It is applied to the surface with a regular spatula or trowel, which you can easily do with your own hands. When finishing large areas it is better to use mechanized method applying the solution. After drying, decorative mineral plaster forms a durable, porous, non-flammable layer with good heat and sound insulation. This type of finish requires mandatory finishing paint, as it does not withstand climatic influences well.

Mineral finish samples containing different sizes grains

The additives included in the finished mixture increase the moisture resistance of the coating, but at the same time good vapor permeability is maintained, and together this prevents the formation of fungi. Mineral facade plaster simultaneously performs two functions: decorative and practical; it is also an additional thermal insulation layer.

Mineral plaster for facades and interior work does not tolerate vibrations and stress. It is not recommended to use it until the building has completely settled, as well as when finishing houses located close to railway, in troubled seismic zones.

Mineral monochrome coating serves as an excellent backdrop for the interior

The most popular textures that mineral plaster can make are: lamb, fur coat, grooves, travertine, bark beetle. Coarse mixtures are mainly used for facade work and decoration individual elements interior Mineral fine-grained plaster is more pliable to work with; the texture can be applied with rollers, brushes, and improvised materials.

An example of combining traditional material with modern style

Fine-grained mineral plaster with marble chips, it is from it that the Venetian coating for natural polished stone is made. Achieved decorative effect thanks to a special application technique: thin layer, in small strokes. Each layer is polished and iron-plated.

Venetian coating goes well with wood, stone and modern materials

The standard consumption of mineral plaster is 4 kg per sq. m., but in practice this figure can differ significantly. Consumption directly depends on the quality of surface preparation and the granularity of the solution; the larger the fractions, the thicker the layer and, accordingly, more mixture will be required.

Mineral coating with a bright structure - protection and decoration of the facade

Let's compare mineral plaster with competing mixtures

In addition to mineral plaster construction market offers silicone, silicate and acrylic mixtures. All of them are much more expensive than the compositions on mineral based, let's look at other characteristics:

• Acrylics are noticeably inferior in vapor permeability, but are more resistant to vibrations and difficult climatic conditions.
• Silicate plasters require surface treatment with primers. silicate based, that at high price Such materials result in significant costs. The high pH level does not allow the mixture to be called environmentally friendly.
• Silicone-based compounds are the most expensive, but also the most practical and reliable. Their use is justified for finishing small areas; they are indispensable in the bathroom, but are rarely used for facade work.

Textured coating with an interesting deep effect, the paint is applied in 2 layers, the finishing layer is washed off

As a summary, we suggest watching a video on how mineral plaster is made - application technique, video tutorial contains useful tips, how to prepare surfaces and correctly apply a solution with a bark beetle structure so that the finish lasts for a long time without cracking or losing its aesthetics.

Mineral plaster has been used since Ancient Greece. Even then, people knew how to decorate their homes with a solution of clay, limestone and sand. The composition of decorative mineral plaster may include marble, clay, quartz sand.

The binding components are cement, gypsum, and limestone. Compositions containing gypsum are most often used for interior decoration, cement and limestone - for external work, because it is these substances that give mineral facade plaster its resistance and durability.

Mixture for interior finishing

For interior wall decoration, several types of mixtures are used. Interior putty, which contains lime and metal particles, gives the effect of cut stone when they dry. Its surface looks aged with bronze, metal or silver inclusions.

Interior putty with small inclusions

Technique for applying bark beetles with shared risks

Orange Peel is a fine-grain mineral plaster that is very easy to apply. Can even be used in rooms with high humidity and has perfect reviews.

Technique for applying orange peel putty

Lamb has been the most popular finish for facades and plinths for decades. Durable, wear-resistant, has heat-insulating properties. Lamb mineral plaster is applied in the same way as bark beetle, but has a higher consumption.

This is what the popular lamb technique looks like

Comparison of mineral plaster with other types

Among similar finishing mixtures, such as acrylic or silicate plaster, mineral plaster has its advantages. It is environmentally friendly, does not contain any “chemicals”, and, thanks to its high vapor permeability, is capable of creating a favorable microclimate in the room. Mineral plaster with marble chips has good fire-resistant properties and is not susceptible to mold and mildew.

Plaster surface with marble chips

Silicate and acrylic plasters are not inferior to mineral plasters in quality, but have lower vapor permeability and are not a “breathable” material. In addition, the acrylic mixture, unlike the mineral one, is highly susceptible to contamination, so the finishing of facades located near unpaved roads is quite difficult. short term may become unusable.

According to its composition acrylic plaster more elastic than mineral and much more resistant to sudden changes temperatures And silicate glass, which contains potassium liquid glass, is considered the most durable. The operation of such surfaces can be 20-25 years, and mineral mixture, thanks to its antistatic properties, it not only lasts a long time and does not collapse, but also retains its excellent appearance.

Modern mineral plaster is, first of all, diversity relief surfaces With original compositions: pebble products, “bark beetle”, “liquid wallpaper”. Many types of raw materials are used to create them. To select the right material, you must first study the properties and characteristics of building materials. This will help you avoid unnecessary financial costs and get a durable surface.

In the old days the main function plaster mortar consisted of leveling walls and ceilings indoors for the subsequent application of other, thinner coatings. On the façade of houses, plaster was used to protect the surface from the effects of adverse atmospheric factors. Today the situation has changed radically, and the status of dry mixes has increased significantly.

The vast majority of building materials contain natural substances that allow us to talk about environmental safety finishing coatings. This is especially important when it comes to the arrangement of premises. Therefore, mineral plaster for interior work is based on an aqueous mixture of slaked lime - lime hydrate. It does not pose the slightest danger to human health after applying it to the walls.

The main binding component is white Portland cement. Marble chips or other natural stone of small fractions can be added as fillers. The most commonly used material is cheap and ubiquitous quartz sand. Some brands of plaster contain various types of modifiers used to enhance the durability of the composition and color. Since these substances are made with the addition of chemical additives, most of them form mineral plaster for facades.

Advantages and disadvantages of products

All plaster mixtures have distinct advantages over other types of coatings. In addition to the mentioned environmental friendliness, these include high level resistance to mechanical stress. The strength of the composition is such that it needs to be beaten with a hammer or special tool. Plaster is not afraid of moisture. Even after direct exposure to rain or snow, it does not get wet and does not lose its properties. Excellent vapor conductivity allows the walls to “breathe” without forming dampness and the main enemies of health - mold and mildew.

Mineral plaster is not afraid of changes in air temperature. This is especially true for the external parts of buildings. And, importantly, it is completely safe in terms of fire, since there are no ignition elements in the material. The product requires easy care. Interior mortar can be painted, cleaned and wiped with a damp cloth. The surface is not damaged. The disadvantage of the material concerns the application technology. If the rules are not followed, cracks may appear. It is very easy to eliminate the defect during operation. But even with its presence, the mixture will last a long time, without additional repairs.

Types of mineral plasters

In addition to ordinary cement, gypsum or lime mortars, special and decorative samples have been developed. The first include shielding, sound and heat insulating agents. There are several types of decorative ones:

• colored;
• terrasite;
• pebble;
• Venetian;
• sgrafitto;
• silk.

Mineral facade plaster is also produced. Each of all listed materials has certain properties that ensure the quality of its use in certain conditions. The differences between them are significant. The key factor when choosing is resistance to environmental influences.

The mixture for apartments has an attractive appearance, but is not suitable for outdoor coating. The façade mortars are rough in appearance. Without aggressive components, they can be used for interior decoration of technical warehouses, non-residential and utility rooms. The product in the form of a pebble structure is formed due to large number fine-grained granules. The stone effect is achieved by laying the mortar in a circular motion with a tool, in this case a poluter. The composition of the “bark beetle” mixture is almost identical to the pebble mixture and differs in a smaller amount of granular filler. The application technology is different. The grater's movements should not be rotational, but strictly in one plane - horizontal or vertical.

Mineral decorative plaster “terrasite” is a mixture of white Portland cement, fluff, filler and dyes. Mainly used for exterior finishing walls It is applied in two stages: first a leveling primer, and then a colored topcoat. The Venetian mineral mixture has been known since Ancient Rome and the Renaissance. Its structure contains fine dust from natural stones, slaked lime, V modern version– polymer acrylic. This type is used exclusively for interior decoration. The smaller the size of the filler granules, the more smooth surface walls will work. Application technology Venetian plaster is labor-intensive and involves the formation of 3 to 10 layers. The complexity of production is such that not every master can cope with the “Venetian”.

"Silk" products

This material cannot be called anything other than a miracle. It includes fillers made of cellulose, silk threads and adhesive. Popularly, this product is called liquid wallpaper, since it is applied instead of them, surpassing the latter in all respects. This type plasters are especially convenient to use in hard-to-reach and embossed places. It will hide all the unevenness of the wall without difficulty.

The coating is not afraid of moisture and has a unique feature. If cracks appear due to non-compliance with the technology or shrinkage of the foundation of the house, the damaged surface is treated with water from a spray bottle and rubbed with a trowel. There will be no trace of flaws left. The service life of the product is up to 8 years. Any other plaster, not to mention wallpaper, will not withstand such a test. Color " liquid wallpaper” saturates the entire thickness of the layer, and not just the outer surface, so their resistance to fading is very high.

The product can be used in any room, with the exception of places where direct contact with liquid is possible: bathtubs, sinks for washing hands or dishes in the kitchen. But there is a way out: the plastered surface is varnished to water based. The material does not absorb odors, is absolutely universal and environmentally safe. Its application, as in the case of the “Venetian”, should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist. When choosing an expensive product, you should pay attention to the manufacturer's brand. Today there are a huge number of counterfeit products on the market, so you need to ask the seller for a quality certificate.

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Mineral plaster for facades - we study the composition, compare with competitors and learn how to apply

Modern market offers a large assortment plaster, but mineral plaster for facades occupies a special place among this variety. Let's try to figure out what the secret of its popularity is, what these mixtures consist of and where they are hidden weak sides. And practitioners will learn how to apply the now popular “Bark Beetle” texture step by step with their own hands.

Features and Benefits

Any plaster mixture consists of 3 main parts - a base binder, fillers and modifying additives. Mineral compositions are made on the basis of white Portland cement and slaked lime; I will talk about the types of fillers a little later, and each manufacturer keeps the composition of modifiers secret.

Basic performance characteristics

It is not realistic to talk about all the manufacturers of mineral compositions on the market, so we took the average data and, for convenience, combined them into a table.

Types of filler

There are compositions for external and internal use. They differ from each other in the type and diameter of the filler grain. The characteristics of these plasters are similar, but not every filler is allowed to be used indoors. The decorative component of a particular plaster depends on the type of filler.

• Glass - don't be scared broken glass This type of filler has nothing to do with sharp edges; small ones are used here. glass balls. The appearance is quite decent, especially when using colored glass.
• Clay - decorative colored types of clay are used for filler. The coating can be either textured or smooth, but it is not advisable to use clay compositions for facades (low strength).
• Ceramics - ceramic granules are a by-product of expanded clay production. This filler only provides texture, so the composition requires additional tinting.
• Anthracite - the filler is made from coal. This is a by-product of the mining and processing industry, it is not expensive, but dark plaster is not suitable for every design.
• Quartz is the same sand, only of a larger fraction. The price is cheap, but the decorative effect is quite decent. Plus, this filler is absolutely safe in all respects.
• Marble - this noble mineral in facade plasters is represented by marble chips. In addition to solid appearance marble filler gives additional strength to the coating.
• Mica - among professionals, such plasters are called terrasite. Mica particles have a reflective mirror effect, so on a sunny day such facades shine like a Christmas tree.

According to sanitary standards For finishing residential premises it is prohibited to use compositions containing mica, glass and anthracite. This is explained by the fact that dust from these fillers is harmful to respiratory tract Living creatures.

One more important parameter Regarding fillers, the grain fraction is considered; there is also a gradation here:

• Fine-textured granules - diameter up to 0.5 mm, in fact, it is already dust.
• Fine-textured granules - diameter 0.5 - 1 mm.
• Medium-textured granules - diameter 1.5 - 3 mm.
• Large-textured granules - diameter 3.5 - 4 mm.
• Rough textured granules - diameter from 5 mm.

For the production of facade plasters, only medium, coarse and coarse-textured fillers are used. But for internal decorative coatings All types of fillers are used, the main thing is that the surface matches the design of the room.

Pros of mineral compositions

• Since cement-lime mortar is used as the basis, this coating has unique strength. Moreover, over time, the plaster only becomes stronger.
• All cement compositions have high vapor permeability, and the presence of a coarse filler in them only enhances this advantage. According to reference data, the vapor permeability of mineral facade plaster equals parapermeability cellular concrete and natural shell rock.

• According to manufacturers, secret modifiers and high pH levels completely block the development of colonies of fungus, mold and other biological hazards.
• Cement, lime and mineral fillers they don’t burn, don’t support a fire, and don’t even melt, so fire inspectors have nothing to complain about.
• Environmentalists also have no complaints about mineral facade coatings.
• Cement-lime plasters can be applied to any base. In other words, it doesn’t matter what your house is made of, such solutions work equally well on wood, brick, concrete and any building blocks, including shell rock and cellular concrete.
• In terms of price, these compounds also benefit; they are cheaper than most competitors.
• Even an amateur can create the simplest types of texture with his own hands; I will go into detail on this point a little later.

A few words about the cons

• Cement compositions are classified as rigid coatings - this means that when the building shrinks, cracks may appear along the facade. Manufacturers are fighting this unpleasant phenomenon with the help of plasticizers and fiber additives, but the problem has not yet been completely eradicated.
• Plastering in general and facade works in particular, they always referred to dirty and hard physical labor.
• The presence of alkali in the composition seriously limits color scheme mixtures, but this problem can be easily solved with the help of facade paints.
• It is problematic to prepare such plaster with your own hands, since it is necessary to strictly follow the dosage and sequence of actions.

Main competitors

Silicate compounds - silicate plasters are considered close relatives of mineral compounds, but the binding component here is the so-called liquid potassium glass. The price for this coating is not much higher, but the color range is wider.

Silicates have a dirt-repellent effect, so this coating long time does not need cleaning. The only significant drawback that most manufacturers cannot cope with is cracking; strengthening additives help only partially; over time, the facade becomes covered with small cracks.

Acrylic plasters - have high strength and good adhesion to the base. Acrylic resins are lighter than cement, so the coating puts less stress on the façade. As for colors, initially these compositions have White color and tinted as necessary shortly before application.

The level of elasticity of acrylic is average, that is, the coating will withstand minor movements of the base, but it is not advisable to use it for new buildings. Plaster is sold in finished form. One of the disadvantages is susceptibility to dirt, although such facades are easy to clean.

Silicone compounds - refer to universal types coatings They have unique elasticity, are easy to apply and look great. There are no problems with flowers here either. Silicone has only 2 relative disadvantages - average vapor permeability and high cost.

Stage-by-stage arrangement of the bark beetle texture

Visually, the “Bark Beetle” texture represents a surface as if eaten away by bark beetles of the same name. Many shallow grooves are applied to the wall. The direction of these grooves and the color of the coating are optional.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Stage No. 1. The surface is cleaned with emery, all bulges and depressions are leveled.
	Stage No. 2. The wall is covered with soil a couple of times. This stage is especially important if the putty is applied to the insulation.
	Stage No. 3. According to the instructions, the finished mixture is poured into water and stirred with a construction mixer. It is important to add the dry mixture to the water, and not vice versa.
	Stage No. 4. Using a metal or plastic trowel, apply the solution to the wall. The application thickness should be slightly larger than the bark beetle granule fraction (the diameter of the granules is indicated on the packaging).
	Stage No. 5. Take a polyurethane float and rub the wall with light pressure. The granules in the composition will cling to the grater and roll over the solution, as a result, grooves will appear under the “Bark Beetle”. The grouting direction is selected individually: vertically, horizontally or in a circular motion.

Conclusion

Based on the recommendations above, it will be much easier for you to choose the right type mineral composition. The arrangement technique is shown step by step, and for those for whom the “Bark Beetle” is not suitable, there are other options in the video in this article. If you have any questions, write in the comments, I will try to help.

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

Decorative mineral plaster is a thick composition consisting of natural components, used for finishing works indoors and outdoors. It has become an excellent alternative to wallpaper and, depending on the type, makes it possible to create a variety of wall textures. For cladding facades, material from this series is used: bark beetle or special pebble plaster. Using San Marco plasters, such as Marmo Dautore, you can also finish balconies.

The surfaces created using this material retain their original appearance and layer thickness for a long time. The manufacturer also offers mineral. Its undeniable advantages include high vapor permeability and moisture resistance.

Modern mineral plasters are a unique combination of environmental impeccability and aesthetic perfection.

Features of the composition of lime (mineral) plasters

Lime (mineral) plasters are structural decorative materials. They include:

• lime hydrate;
• marble granulate;
• white high-quality Portland cements (hydraulic binders);
• light mineral fillers.

Facade dry plaster on lime base supplied in containers convenient for storage and transportation. The composition is prepared on a water basis. Water-based mixtures are odorless and environmentally friendly, therefore suitable for indoor finishing.
Mixing with water requires strict adherence to proportions so that there are no deviations in color and surface strength. Therefore, it is convenient to use ready-made paste compositions, which are sold in plastic buckets of 5-25 kg. Per m2 consumption can be 0.8 - 2.5 kg.

Functional features of lime plasters

Mineral-based decorative plaster has the ability to form characteristic textures, which also depend on the use of a specific tool (roller, spatula, tampon, brush, etc.).
Using structural mineral compositions, they recreate complex designs that imitate ancient clay or stone walls, woven fabric and many other effects.

Suitable bases for applying lime finishing material are: walls made of brick, aerated concrete, concrete, gypsum fiber boards, cement blocks. Mandatory requirement for any base – preliminary primer.

Pros and cons of lime plasters

Mineral compositions are considered the most durable; they provide reliable and high-quality coating, protection against fungi and other microorganisms. Other advantages include:

• good vapor permeability;
• resistance to various atmospheric phenomena;
• chemical resistance;
• low water absorption;
• simplicity and ease of application;
• excellent thermal insulation properties;
• when drying and over time, stability only increases;
• the most affordable among other coatings.

The disadvantages include the not very wide range of colors, since the alkaline nature of the composition limits the creation of many colors. However, the Italian factory San Marco, even for such plasters that seem to be very difficult to produce, has a number of materials that are specially produced in bases for tinting in dark, rich colors. If you want to get a specific color coating, you will need to additionally paint it. To do this, it will be rational to use silicate paint.
Lime plaster is afraid of vibrations. If the building is located near a factory, highway, or railroad, it may crack over time if there is no reinforcing foundation.

Types of mineral plasters

To choose and buy the right finishing material, you need to pay attention to it specifications, namely:

• filler composition;
• size of filler granules;
• intended scope.

As bulk fillers textured plaster calibrated particles of quartz, granite, marble, mother-of-pearl and gold particles, cellulose, and other elements are used to create the desired result.

Based on the size of filler granules, mixtures are divided into:

• fine-textured,
• fine-textured,
• medium texture,
• large-textured,
• rough textured.

According to the area of ​​application, there are two types of lime plaster:

• for interior work,
• for external work (facade).

Exterior finish contains coarse heavy fillers. These include pebble plaster, bark beetle. A simple solution is a facade under a fur coat. Also note: if you choose lime-based ones, due to their porosity, it is better to cover them with a protective coating on top.

Range of San Marco mineral-based plasters and the effects they create

A varied range of mineral-based plasters is produced and sold worldwide by the Italian company San Marco. Since its formation in 1962, the company has gained an excellent reputation and good feedback. Decorative finishes- her special pride.
These mixtures are vapor permeable, they work well on concrete and other surfaces, they resist various harmful environmental factors. Their advantages include the reliability and functionality of the material, the ability to imitate almost any texture.
The company produces textured lime plasters for interior and external works. They can imitate:

• aged marble coating,
• cork,
• oak bark and other surfaces.

With their help, large volumetric reliefs and elegant embossed images are created. San Marco offers the following materials at an affordable price: Marmo Antico, Intonachino Minerale.

Several varieties of fine-grained Venetian plaster are also available, for example.
Most mixes come in base colors and you can add custom tints to get the color you want.

Techniques for applying San Marco mineral plasters

The technique of applying lime plaster is not complicated, however, it requires knowledge of certain subtleties, the order of work, density and other characteristics of the material. Usually, finishing is entrusted to experienced craftsmen, but if you show a creative approach and take a video training course, you can do everything yourself.

Any technology requires preparing the surface, leveling it with putty, this reduces material consumption significantly. San Marco plaster is made with variations in components, which makes it possible to simulate various surfaces: wood, weathered sandstone, wild stone, marble and other imitations. A variety of textures is also created thanks to color combinations, application methods (linear, circular, longitudinal or transverse movements). You can see all this in the photo of our website and choose the appropriate option for yourself.